FED:Govt links jobs figures to stimulus

Strong employment figures including a growth in full-time work is a tribute to the government's stimulus plan but could impact on the Australian dollar and interest rates, Jobs Minister Chris Evans says.

Australia's unemployment rate remained steady at 5.1 per cent in September while total employment rose by 49,500 to more than 11 million, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released on Wednesday.

"Obviously, there are impacts on the value of the dollar and interest rates, which will be governed by the Reserve Bank," Senator Evans told reporters in Melbourne.

"What we are seeing is the Australian government stimulus plan really bringing home for Australians job opportunities and strong employment growth and that's to be celebrated," he said.

"This is a very strong result and a tribute to the economic management and the stimulus program."

Senator Evans said the strong growth in full-time jobs meant people were moving from part-time work and into full-time employment.

The figures showed full-time employment rose by 55,800 to 7.984 million in September and part-time employment was down by 6300 to 3.340 million.